Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural advancements underscore the need to monitor environmental radionuclides and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) for pollution and human health impact assessment. This study assessed human health risks associated with radionuclides and PTEs in agricultural soils of the SAS Nagar District, Punjab, India, using ICP-MS and XRF techniques. Mean radionuclide concentrations were found to be 34.7 ± 3.1 Bq kg-1 (238U), 56.5 ± 8.4 Bq kg-1 (232Th), and 556.8 ± 93.1 Bq kg-1 (40K), respectively, with levels all above corresponding global means. Elemental concentrations (ppm) followed a decreasing sequence: Fe (29,148) >  > Zn (67.4) > Cr (55.7) > Ni (25.5) > Cu (23.4) > Pb (18.6) > Th (13.9) > Co (8.8) > As (6.5) > U (2.8) > Cd (0.17). Pollution indices identified As and Cd as the dominant contributors to soil contamination, with U and Cr exerting moderate secondary effects. A multi-pathway exposure model indicates carcinogenic risks within the permissible range; however, As, Cr, and Ni remain within tolerable limits (10-6-10-4) but still signify potential concern. IDW-based spatial mapping of selected radionuclides and PTEs revealed zones of co-contamination across the study area. Spearman's rank correlations show strong to very strong monotonic relationships among most soil variables. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showcased that the first three components explained a major portion (78.2%) of the total variance. PCA separates variables driven by common environmental processes from those influenced by geogenic and anthropogenic factors, while Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) groups parameters with similar behavior reflecting these controls. Collectively, these findings emphasize the need for targeted soil quality monitoring to safeguard long-term soil quality and public health.

The deterioration of groundwater quality is a serious concern across the globe, especially where it serves as a primary source of drinking water. This study aimed to investigate the presence and associated health risks of seven potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in groundwater from Kumaun Sub-Himalayan Plain, India. For this purpose, an integrated framework was applied that combines geospatial mapping to identify spatial distribution patterns, pollution index analysis and risk assessment to evaluate contamination status and correlation analysis to apportion pollution sources. Quantification of PTEs was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). The concentrations (µg L-1) of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni and Pb were observed to fluctuate from 0.07 to 3.65, Below Detection Limit (BDL) to 2.43, 0.21 to 117.82, BDL to 0.13, 0.1 to 6.46, 0.26 to 7.36 and 0.02 to 8.71, respectively. The overall pollution indices indicate generally low contamination by PTEs across the study area. However, the localized Cr concentrations in 37.5% of the samples was observed to exceed the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and WHO permissible limits. Moreover, the average carcinogenic risk from ingested Cr, As and Cd exceeded the recommended safety threshold, while the dermal exposure risk from Cr surpassed acceptable limits. It is important to note that pollution index-based classification reflects water quality at a single point in time relative to regulatory standards, whereas carcinogenic risk assessment considers long-term exposure. Consequently, even low concentrations of PTEs may pose carcinogenic risks over prolonged periods. The localized exceedances warrant continuous monitoring, targeted mitigation measures and site-specific groundwater management. The study emphasizes the importance of groundwater monitoring to ensure safety of drinking water and address possible health risks in the area. The baseline data from Kumaun Sub-Himalayan Plain of India provide valuable insights to guide targeted remediation strategies and promote sustainable groundwater management.

Contamination of drinking water sources by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses critical threats to human health via carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic pathways, yet comprehensive assessments targeting arsenic, selenium, cadmium and lead in Garhwal Himalayan groundwater systems have been absent. This study contributes to address this knowledge gap by evaluating As, Se, Cd and Pb concentrations in 88 groundwater samples from the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, a tectonically active region where populations depend almost exclusively on groundwater for drinking purposes. It integrated pollution indexing, health risk assessment, spatial mapping and statistical analyses to comprehensively characterize contamination status, identify spatial patterns and apportion potential sources. The arithmetic mean of the elemental concentrations was in the sequence Cd (0.18 µg L⁻1) < Se (0.26 µg L⁻1) < As (3.66 µg L⁻1) < Pb (12.81 µg L⁻1). While Se and Cd concentrations fell within their permissible limits, As and Pb exceeded their regulatory thresholds in specific samples. The heavy metal pollution index ranged from 5.649 to 134.2 (mean = 27.875), with majority of water samples are suitable for drinking. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that hazard indices exceeded unity in 33 samples for children versus one sample for adults, hinting on age-specific vulnerabilities. Carcinogenic risk estimates for majority of samples exceeded the acceptable threshold of ≤ 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ for the ingestion pathway, however they remained within the acceptable limit for the dermal exposure pathway. Correlation analysis identified moderate positive association between Cd and Pb, suggesting common sources or co-mobility, while Se and Pb exhibited weak negative correlation, indicating independent origins. These findings establish critical baseline data for the Chamoli district, inform targeted remediation strategies and support sustainable groundwater management aligned with multiple SDG targets. To address its limitations, future studies should incorporate temporal monitoring, expand parameter coverage and employ advanced source apportionment techniques to strengthen contamination origin characterization.

Public access to safe drinking water and protection of water bodies are key components of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for a major global population, especially in developing countries. This investigation aims to appraise the health risks linked with uranium (U) in drinking water from the Chamoli area of Garhwal Himalaya, utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The measured U concentration in the analyzed samples ranged from BDL to 5.340 µg L−1, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed limit of 30 µg L−1. The computed values of health risk indicators suggest no threat to human health from studied groundwater samples.

Naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is a decay product of radium present in the soil. Radon flux reaches the atmosphere through exhalation from soil surface. This study aims to estimate the radon diffusion length and diffusion coefficient in soil matrix on the premises of HNB Garhwal University campus at Tehri Garhwal, India. Soil gas radon concentration was measured at different depths (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 cm) using a Smart RnDuo (Scintillation-detector) at 14 different locations in the university campus. Simultaneous measurement of surface and mass exhalation rates was also carried out for each location. Gamma-ray spectrometry was used to estimate the radium content in soil samples. Results of the present study suggest that soil gas radon concentration increases with increasing sampling depth. The diffusion coefficient and length were calculated using the soil gas radon concentration gradient within the soil matrix. The average value of diffusion length (l) and diffusion coefficient (D) were obtained as, ls = 0.70 f 0.22 m, Ds = 0.0054 f 0.0049 m2 s- 1 and la = 0.77 f 0.63 m, Da = 0.0073 f 0.014 m2 s-1 by Fick's diffusion model and analytic models, respectively.

In the present study, the emanation coefficient was calculated for different types of building materials using active and passive methods. Active measurement was carried out using a scintillation detector connected to the sample containing a small chamber (volume ∼ 1582.5 c.c.) for continuous measurement of approx. 240 h. The observed growth curves for radon concentrations were used to estimate the emanation coefficients and the back diffusion rates at the equilibrium concentration inside the chamber, while the passive measurement was carried out with LR 115 type II detectors using the sealed can technique. Seven types (soil, concrete, brick, tile, slate, granite, and sand) of building materials were used for the present experiment in two size ranges: fine grains (0-300 μm) and coarse grains (300-1180 μm) in both types of measurements. The emanation coefficient was found to vary between 0.01 to 0.22 and 0.23 to 0.31 in active and passive measurement, respectively. Maximum values of the emanation coefficient were obtained for fine-grained soil samples and minimum for sand (both fine and coarse). In most cases, coarse grains have shown a higher emanation coefficient as compared to fine ones.

The increasing application of computed tomography (CT) has raised concerns regarding patient radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate patient doses associated with three routine CT examinations—head, thorax, and abdomen—conducted across CT centres in Uttarakhand state of India. A total of 49 CT scanners were surveyed, with dosimetric and patient-specific parameters recorded for 15 adult patients per examination type at each site. Dose metrics, including the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP), were collected. The third quartile values of these metrics were established as local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). CTDIvol values for head and body scans were also measured using a pencil-type ionization chamber within polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantoms and showed strong correlation with the corresponding values recorded from the CT console (R = 0.98 for head; R = 0.97 for body). DLP values were used to derive effective doses (ED) using established conversion coefficients. The proposed DRLs (CTDIvol/DLP) were 42 mGy/532 mGy cm (head), 10 mGy/271 mGy cm (thorax), and 10 mGy/392 mGy cm (abdomen). Corresponding mean EDs were 0.82 mSv, 3.25 mSv, and 4.24 mSv, respectively. The majority of DRL and all ED values were consistent with published international data. Routine implementation of quality assurance (QA), optimization of scan parameters (e.g., scan length, mAs), and adherence to DRLs are recommended to minimize radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic quality.

Naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, rocks, and vegetables can be identified and quantified using gamma-ray spectroscopy, one of the most extensively employed techniques. This investigation has been planned and carried out to assess the natural radioactivity due to 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples (N = 46) from Kumaun Himalaya, India using NaI:Tl gamma-ray spectrometry. The average values of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 48 Bq kg−1, 42 Bq kg−1, and 2009 Bq kg−1, with standard deviations of 11 Bq kg−1, 11 Bq kg−1, and 156 Bq kg−1, respectively. With an average value of 264 Bq kg−1 and a standard deviation of 30 Bq kg−1, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) was significantly below the safe limit of 370 Bq kg−1. However, a few samples were observed to have Raeq values exceeding the safe limit. The spatial distributions and the inter-correlations of the measured and estimated radiological quantities are presented in the paper. The contributions of 226Ra and 232Th to radiation dose quantities were observed to be approximately equal, whereas that of 40K was observed to contribute most in this study. The anticipated doses from radionuclides were found to be up to three times higher than the global average values. The outcomes of this study offer noteworthy baseline data for future studies. More detailed monitoring and mitigation measures are recommended to minimize the risk of gamma-ray exposure.

Radon in household water, particularly from groundwater sources, is a well-known health concern. Radon in groundwater is typically produced by radium in the aquifer's rocks, which may be originated from geogenic uranium or be transported from distant areas. In this study, radon levels were measured for the first time in groundwater samples (N = 80) collected from the foothills of the Kumaun Himalaya using the scintillation-based RnDuo technique, with the aim to assess whether exposure to radon in the water poses a significant health risk to the general public. Some (N = 41) of these samples were also analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and LED fluorimetry for uranium concentrations, to investigate if geogenic uranium is source of radon in groundwater. The estimated health risks of radon and uranium in the analyzed water samples suggest no potential danger to the public. Weak correlations were observed between radon and uranium concentrations, indicating that the source of radon in groundwater is not related to local geogenic uranium mineralization. The findings will be valuable for future research on radionuclide exploration and radiation protection applications.

Uranium, a primordial radionuclide, poses potential risks to human health due to its radiological and chemical toxic effects. Its presence in groundwater resources has raised increasing public health concerns, especially in regions where groundwater is the main source of drinking water. This study systematically evaluates uranium concentration in potable water from the Tons valley, which is a tectonically active area in Garhwal Himalaya. The concentration of uranium in the water samples was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Uranium concentrations were measured below the WHO guideline values in all the studied samples. The estimated health risks from uranium exposure through drinking water in this area were observed to be minimal. These results improve understanding of geogenic uranium distribution in Himalayan aquifers and provide important baseline data for ongoing and future environmental monitoring.

Access to clean and pollutant-free drinking water is a fundamental human necessity and is underscored by the United Nations as the sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-6). In this context, the present study aims to assess the physicochemical quality of groundwater in the Kumaun foothills region of Uttarakhand, India. A total of 20 groundwater samples were analyzed for key parameters including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), turbidity, nitrate, fluoride, alkalinity, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, and chloride content. The pH values ranged from 6.62 to 8.43, TDS from 78 to 690 mg L-1, and TH from 62 to 418 mg L-1. Turbidity remained low (1-1.36 NTU) and nitrate (1.2-3.8 mg L-1) as well as fluoride (0.12-0.25 mg L-1) levels were well within permissible limits. While most parameters complied with BIS standards, magnesium slightly exceeded desirable limits in a few samples. Water Quality Index (WQI) values ranged from 30.1 to 77.9, categorizing the water quality from excellent to good and confirming its suitability for drinking purposes. This study introduces a regional-scale, data-driven evaluation of groundwater quality, providing a baseline for future monitoring. The innovation lies in integrating a comprehensive physicochemical analysis with WQI assessment in a region where such systematic studies remain scarce. The findings emphasize the need for continued surveillance and localized water management strategies to ensure safe and sustainable use of groundwater resources.

Ionizing radiation emitted from radionuclides is present everywhere in the environment. It is the main source of health hazards to the general public. The present study elaborates on the analysis of primordial radionuclides in the collected soil samples from the Main Central Thrust (MCT) region of Uttarakhand Himalaya in a grid pattern. The naturally occurring radionuclides radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) were analyzed using a thallium-doped sodium iodide detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to vary from 9.82 ± 2.35 to 39.17 ± 5.50 Bq kg−1 (arithmetic mean 15.76 Bq kg−1), 15.09 ± 6.93 to 32.90 ± 7.80 Bq kg−1 (arithmetic mean 21.66 Bq kg−1), and 165.71 ± 43 to 417.16 ± 61.73 Bq kg−1 (arithmetic mean 320.30 Bq kg−1) respectively. The spatial distribution and radiation hazards of primordial radionuclides are discussed in the paper.

This study investigates and maps the distribution of radionuclides and associated radiation hazards in soil specimens collected from the Ropar agricultural region, Punjab, India. A high-resolution HPGe detector was utilized to measure and assess radioactivity precisely. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 34.15 to 122.36 Bq kg-1, 58.24 to 176.77 Bq kg-1, and 385.02 to 785.57 Bq kg-1, respectively. Their average values, 49.43 ± 18.65 Bq kg-1, 76.82 ± 28.88 Bq kg-1, and 591.22 ± 105.68 Bq kg-1, respectively, exceeded the corresponding global averages. The quantified radium equivalent averaged 204.65 ± 50.91 Bq kg-1, remaining below the permissible limit of 370 Bq kg-1 but considerably higher than the world average of 129.59 Bq kg-1. All hazard and level indices were markedly lower than the permissible limit of unity. However, the gamma radiation dose rates (Ḋin and Ḋout), annual effective doses (ADin and ADout), and associated cancer risk levels (ELCRin and ELCRout) for both indoor and outdoor environments exceeded the corresponding recommended levels. The contributions of individual radionuclides to radiological indices and gamma doses were analyzed, identifying 232Th as the primary source of radiation exposure, while Correlations among radionuclides and hazard indices were analyzed to evaluate their interrelationships.

AbstractSwiftly increasing population and industrial developments of urban areas has accelerated the worsening of the water quality in recent years. Groundwater samples from different locations of the Doon valley, Garhwal Himalaya were analyzed to measure concentrations of six potential toxic elements (PTEs) viz. chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) with the aim to study the spatial distribution and associated hazards. In addition, machine learning algorithms have been used for prediction of water quality and identification of influencing PTEs. The results inferred that the mean values (in the units of µg L−1) of analyzed PTEs were observed in the order of Mo (1.066) > Ni (0.744) > Pb (0.337) > As (0.186) > Cr (0.180) > Cd (0.026). The levels and computed risks of PTEs were found below the safe limits. The radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN) algorithms showed high level of accuracy in the predictions of heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), non-carcinogenic (N-CR) and carcinogenic (CR) parameters with determination coefficient values ranged from 0.912 to 0.976. However, the modified heavy metal pollution index (m-HPI) and contamination index (CI) predictions showed comparatively lower coefficient values as 0.753 and 0.657, respectively. The multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN) demonstrated fluctuation in precision with determination coefficient between 0.167 and 0.954 for the prediction of computed indices (HPI, HEI, CI, m-HPI). In contrast, the proficiency in forecasting of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards for both sub-groups showcased coefficient values ranged from 0.887 to 0.995. As compared to each other, the radial basis function (RBF) model indicated closer alignments between predicted and actual values for pollution indices, while multilayer perceptron (MLP) model portrayed greater precision in prediction of health risk indices.

Analysis of U, Cr, Ni, As, Mo, Cd and Pb was performed in Ganga water in Uttarakhand state of India using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Seasonal and spatial variability in the analyzed Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) concentrations were observed in Ganga water in this study. The health risks of PTEs in Ganga water were estimated as pollution indices, hazard quotients and cancer risk. The estimated risk assessment parameters show that Ganga water is not contaminated by the analyzed PTEs in the investigated region. A multivariate statistical analysis of the obtained dataset was performed to identify the pollution sources.

Human exposure to high concentrations of uranium is a major concern due to the risk of developing numerous internal organ malignancies over time. In addition to the numerous attributes of uranium in the nuclear power industry, the radiological characteristics and chemical toxicity of uranium present a substantial risk to human health. This study aims to evaluate potential negative health impacts associated with the ingestion of uranium through drinking water in the Noida and Greater Noida region within the Gautam Buddha districts of Uttar Pradesh (India), due to extreme industrial revolution in this geological location. The mean concentration of uranium in drinking water of the examined area was estimated to range from 0.23 to 78.21 µg l−1. The hair compartment biokinetic model is used to estimate the retention and radiological doses of uranium in distinct organs and tissues. Studies on time-dependent factors revealed variations in uranium retention, with lower levels observed in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) region and higher levels on cortical bone surfaces causes the skeletal deformities. The kidney, liver, and other soft tissues (OST) exhibited a non-saturation pattern in the retention of uranium via exposure of drinking water. The age-wise non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic doses were estimated for the health hazards studies. The outcome of this study will be useful for water resource management authorities to supply safe potable water to the local residents.

The consumption of uranium (U) via drinking water is a health concern due to its potential to pose serious health disorders in the human population. Quantification of U levels in potable groundwater samples (N = 166) from the foothill region of Kumaun Himalaya, India, was done using the LED Fluorimeter to assess associated health hazards. The concentration of U was observed to vary between 0.01 and 26.98 µg L−1. The estimated associated radiological and chemical hazards were observed to pose no considerable health disorders in the human body. The estimated radiation doses were found well below the safe limits. The measured U in groundwater was observed to be strongly correlated with total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. A comparative analysis of the observed results with other previous studies in northern India is also presented in the paper. The findings of this study will be helpful for future geoscientific studies.

The presence of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in potable water can lead to adverse effects on human health upon consumption. This paper presents the distribution and health hazards of seven PTE such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in potable groundwater sources of the foothill region in the Kumaun Himalaya, India. The concentrations of PTE in potable groundwater samples were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). The pollution indices and health risks were assessed from the measured concentrations to examine the quality of analyzed groundwater. The concentrations (mu g L-1) of Cr, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the analyzed groundwater samples were observed in the range of 3.281 to 122.240, 0.919 to 13.708, 0.101 to 5.862, 0.102 to 2.437, Below Detection Limit (BDL) to 1.368, BDL to 0.188 and 0.023 to 25.787, respectively. Moreover, Cr concentration in 41 % of analyzed samples was detected above the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits. The Pb content in 8 % of analyzed samples was detected above WHO and BIS safe limits. The computed values of pollution indices and estimated risks indicate that a majority of investigated water sources are safe for drinking and other purposes.

The measurements of radon concentrations in drinking water sources in and around the Main Central Thrust (MCT) region in Garhwal Himalaya, India, were carried out using the scintillation detector-based SMART RnDuo technique for radiation protection purposes. Radon values in the analyzed samples were observed between 1.1 and 183.9 Bq L−1 (AM = 19.7 Bq L−1). Radon values in 94